15 runners DQed for wearing headphones!

No, the actual problem is the realistic threat of lawsuit from or resulting from people who choose to operate irresponsibly in public. If the waiver that people sign were airtight then race directors and their insurers would have nothing to worry about.

JimG wrote:

They can take my headphones away when they pry them out of my cold, dead skull that was crushed by a truck I didn't hear.

I just want to say I think this is brilliant.

If the USATF is truly worried about the safety of the runners in an event, why do they allow people who are clearly not in good enough condition to run a marathon enter the race. I'll bet there are more incidents at races where under-trained participants are hurt or have a medical problem than there are from people wearing head-sets. Although the two groups are probably not mutually exclusive by any means. Why not require proof that you can at least run a half-marathon before you're allowed to run a marathon? It would be for their own safety. Or would that be limiting the field of these mega-marathon$ too greatly?

Except that the USATF did not ban them for safety reasons. This is the inherent conflict in most race rules and the underlying USATF rule referenced in support of their safety measures.

headphone police wrote:

Marin Memorial Day 10k hosted by Tamalpa Runners (north of San Francisco) yesterday had the guts to DQ 15 runners for wearing headphones in the race. Good for them.

"The 10K had 560 official finishers, up from 511 last year, with 32 percent of them cracking 40 minutes. Another 15 finishers were disqualified, per USATF rules, for wearing music listening devices." (http://www.marinij.com/sports/ci_9386785)

Race website stated "Headphones: For your safety and the safety of others, please do not wear headphones during the Races." (http://marinraces.com/)

32% of the field cracking 40 minutes for a 10km is pretty impressive ratio compared to most races - however many of the 32% were wearing earphones?

that is not normal wrote:

If the USATF is truly worried about the safety of the runners in an event, why do they allow people who are clearly not in good enough condition to run a marathon enter the race. I'll bet there are more incidents at races where under-trained participants are hurt or have a medical problem than there are from people wearing head-sets. Although the two groups are probably not mutually exclusive by any means. Why not require proof that you can at least run a half-marathon before you're allowed to run a marathon? It would be for their own safety. Or would that be limiting the field of these mega-marathon$ too greatly?

From the race waiver for the particular race that resulted in this thread:

I certify that I am physically fit, have trained sufficiently for participation in this event and have not been advised otherwise by a qualified medical

person. I agree to comply with all race rules and instructions of race officials.

To what extent must the race director coddle his participants? At some point you've got to let the idiots of the world do their thing and people have to accept that life is not without risks no matter how meticulously they've prepared (or not). Witness Ryan Shay.

If you don't agree with the rule, then don't sign the form saying you agree to abide by the rules and don't run. Go find a race that doesn't have the rule. Simple.

In the future rather than waste time DQ'ing you the RD should just not allow you to enter in the first place, seeing as though you're one of those people that feels that if you don't like a rule you'll just ignore it.

You're more likely to get crushed by me. I run over any earphone-wearing-techno-athlete-wannabe that doesn't hear me coming and get out of the way.

crazy stupid wrote:

The dumbest rule ever concocted by an organization. I hope they have the brains to overturn it as soon as possible. If they don't want distractions on the course why promote distractions with all the bands at races? Also tell all the ladies at Wellesley College to please shhhhhhhhhh as the runners go by, it's for their own protection, thanks.

The Ladies aren't on the course, turning into people because they're oblivious to everyone out there running except for themselves.

who cares? not them. wrote:

Who cares? They dont affect me (usually). My father had a very good. He is a mid 50s 8min mile guy for 10k to half marathons. He wears headphones when he runs and races. He could care less if he ever got disqualified. He does not win age group awards, he gets is time and splits on his own watch, and does not stay around for the awards. He likes to race to improve himself and have a goal to train to.

So who cares?

He'll care when he's no longer allowed to register for being an ass. Tell him to go organize his own race.

I can't believe what I have seen on this thread, letsrunners defending headphone wearers in a race of all places! I guess people just like to argue.

earbugs wrote:

32% of the field cracking 40 minutes for a 10km is pretty impressive ratio compared to most races - however many of the 32% were wearing earphones?

Probably close to zero of the 32% were wearing earphones. It was mostly mid to back of the packers wearing them.

It's a fast race because it's on the USATF-PA (Pacific Association) club circuit. All of the fast local club runners come out for it.

If I push my dog in a jogging stroller, would he be allowed to wear headphones?

nyloco wrote:

If I push my dog in a jogging stroller, would he be allowed to wear headphones?

You would be certainly dq'd from my event if you tried to do such a thing.

Race Director wrote:

nyloco wrote:

If I push my dog in a jogging stroller, would he be allowed to wear headphones?

You would be certainly dq'd from my event if you tried to do such a thing.

OK but what if he sat in the jogging stroller and his dog pulled him and neither he nor his dog wore headphones? What would be your ruling Mr Race Director?

[/quote]

OK but what if he sat in the jogging stroller and his dog pulled him and neither he nor his dog wore headphones? What would be your ruling Mr Race Director?[/quote]

This is getting silly. I put on a RUNNING event that the entire community enjoys. There is no place for animals, strollers, or headphones, earbuds, or other stuff. Next I suppose you will ask if it is OK if the dog has a bib number on.

Hey!!! Watch it.

That's no dog. That's my wife you're talking about.

Race Director wrote:

OK but what if he sat in the jogging stroller and his dog pulled him and neither he nor his dog wore headphones? What would be your ruling Mr Race Director?[/quote]

This is getting silly. I put on a RUNNING event that the entire community enjoys. There is no place for animals, strollers, or headphones, earbuds, or other stuff. Next I suppose you will ask if it is OK if the dog has a bib number on.[/quote]

That would be ridiculous of course. How would you pin a bib to a dog's fur? But what if the baby in the jogging stroller was wearing the bib instead of the runner?